The Farm to Cup Experience

The Tale of the Coffee Snob

Like much of middle class America, there are two things that I MUST have every morning in order to function like a proper human being throughout the day.  One, a hot shower and two, a strong cup of coffee. The shower wakes me up..  The coffee sustains me.  Now for most this is just a small part of the day, but for me, it’s crucial.  You see, about eleven years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, I gave up all caffeinated sodas in lieu of Sprite and Ginger Ale.  Eventually, as my body began to adjust to this massive decrease in sugar and caffeine, I began to find that the Sprite, the Ginger Ale and yes, even sweet tea was just too much for me.  Yeah yeah, I know…  here in the South, that’s pretty much blasphemous.  Eventually I gave up Sprite and Ginger Ale completely and became accustomed to requesting “half and half tea.”  For those of you who aren't from around here, in North Carolina that generally means half sweet, half unsweet.  So now that I essentially only drink my morning coffee, water and the occasional tea or kombucha, this delicious morning treat has become an integral part of my day.  And naturally, this change in my sugar cravings meant changes to my coffee as well.

My first experience with coffee came from the iconic can of Folger’s.  It was black, tasted like something burned and definitely was NOT the best part of waking up.  Later, I was introduced to the amazing (but VERY sugary) world of Starbucks.  For years I would have killed for a Mocha Frappuccino with whip and chocolate syrup.  Gradually I began testing the water with iced coffees and the hot drinks like the classic mocha or caramel macchiato.  AND YES I'll admit it, I may have even enjoyed a pumpkin spice latté in my UGG boots and flannel on occassion.  But right about the time that I began to shift my soda drinking habits, my taste for coffee started to shift as well.  I began preferring bolder, richer flavors over sweeter, creamier options.  And alas, my deep love for Starbucks began to dwindle.  After moving here to Salisbury, I was on a mission to discover locally owned restaurants and cafes.  I quickly discovered the hometown favorite, Koco Java Coffee and Roastery.  Ofcourse, I started with a dark chocolate mocha and then eased myself into the wide array of other options.  I began to rely heavily on Mean Mug Coffee Company who recently located to a brand new shop on Main St.  I educated myself on what it means for a coffee to be organic, sustainably farmed, and rainforest alliance certified and somewhere along the way I became a bit of a coffee snob.  I always opt for a local shop over a big box store and often times I can tell by the scent when I walk through the door whether or not my coffee experience will be a pleasant one.

The Discovery

So, imagine my excitement when I learned that just outside of Rowan County, located in a Mooresville strip mall, Dave and Melissa Stahlman are offering a “farm to cup” experience like no other.  In 2013, after traveling all over the world, Dave and Melissa made their way to 256 Raceway Drive in Mooresville where they opened Black Powder Coffee Company, serving small batch, craft roasted coffee from prime, responsibly harvest beans.  In addition to selling locally roasted beans originating from 15 different countries, they also offer a variety of teas, k-cups and cold brews.  But really, what they offer that you seriously can not get anywhere else is KNOWLEDGE.  Dave and Melissa bring so much coffee knowledge to the table that your head will spin.  One visit with them and you will feel like a true coffee connoisseur.  In fact, I learned so much about cold brew from their blog post, http://www.blackpowderroasting.com/whats-the-deal-about-cold-brew-coffee/
that I am yet again ready to try something new. 

My first experience with Black Powder Coffee was a steaming hot cup of Prospector’s Gold.  This one is a darker roast featuring a blend of Sumatra and Ethiopian beans.  It is described as lightly smokey and earthy with a baked chocolate finish.  These were all flavors I was familiar with and for me it was a perfect introduction.  The bitter notes that are sometimes found in darker coffees were non existent and the coffee tasted almost creamy despite no cream being added.  I liked it so much in fact that I was hesitant to try out another option.  Boy was I wrong.  After I finished off a full bag of Prospector’s Gold, I moved on to a lighter option called the Peaberry Blend. The  Peaberry Blend was the closest I have ever come to enjoying a “coffee drink” outside of a coffee shop.  I honestly couldn’t get over how good it was.  I can’t explain to you what makes it so delicious but fortunately for you, Dave and Melissa have all the answers.  All you have to do is call 704-614-0824, and schedule your appointment.  I’m telling you, you will leave knowing more about coffee than you ever dreamed possible.


Or, if you want to get your hands on some Black Powder coffee here in Rowan County, just head on over and say hello to our friends at Country Donutz (Jake Alexander Blvd) and they will hook you up!  Be sure to grab a donut or ahem…  a dozen, while you’re there!  Seriously, how could you feel guilty when you are supporting not one, but two local businesses in one shot! Black Powder Coffee varieties can also be found at Hive, Father & Son Produce,  and if you're feeling adventurous like me, you can check out the nitro cold brew over at Mean Mug Coffee Company! Be sure to follow Black Powder Coffee on Instagram and Facebook @blackpowdercoffee.

"If the coffee can taste so good with nothing else in it, then that's a good cup of coffee." 

~Bayley